New Delhi: In a significant political development, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, has officially resigned from both his ministerial post and his membership in the Rajya Sabha. Submitting his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, Murugan cited his desire to return to grassroots politics and dedicate himself entirely to strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu.
The surprise move comes as the BJP looks to consolidate its ground presence in southern India ahead of the crucial 2029 Lok Sabha elections. In his letter to PM Modi, which he also shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Murugan expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the Union Cabinet.
“With humility and a grateful heart, I request you to relieve me of my responsibilities as Minister of State and permit me to relinquish my membership of the Rajya Sabha, so that I may dedicate myself full-time to strengthening the party in Tamil Nadu,” Murugan wrote.
Outlining his future political strategy, the senior BJP leader stated his intention to travel extensively across the state. “I want to strengthen our party by going to villages, streets, and everywhere else, and prepare the ground for the 2029 parliamentary elections. Nation First. Party Next. Self Last,” he remarked in his official statement.
Reflecting on his journey, Murugan noted the improbability of his rise in politics. Highlighting his humble beginnings, he wrote, “It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve India and Tamil Nadu under your leadership. I come from a very poor family. My parents, who worked as daily wage labourers and cattle grazers, continue to lead a simple life in Konur village. They could never have imagined that their son would one day serve in the Union Government.”
Before joining PM Modi’s Cabinet during the July 2021 reshuffle, Murugan served as the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit president, where he was eventually succeeded by K. Annamalai. From 2017 to 2020, he also held the position of Vice-Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. His resignation marks a clear strategic shift from legislative duties back to active, on-ground organisational party work.